Ball bath mixer: device and repair

In home plumbing mixer was started to use relatively recently. However, the popularity of this plumbing equipment is growing every day. This can easily be explained by convenience and comfort in operation. Problems with these cranes are rare. And the service life is very long. With mixers of this design, you can seriously save on water. Despite the high reliability, there are still problems with this plumbing system in Russian conditions, but everything is removable. Let's look at how these mixers are arranged, what can happen to them, and how to repair them.

Ball valve: the main invention for water supply

Despite the fact that the ball mixer is in operation in our country for some two decades, this design has been developed for a very long time. Created by his engineer Alex Manukyan. Manukyan in 1929 creates a small company that produced various parts for the automobile plants "Chrysler" and "Ford." In 1940, from a small company, this firm is already turning into a large-scale production with a turnover of millions of dollars. In 1940, an inventor from California turns to Manukyan and proposes to acquire the right to manufacture a revolutionary crane. The innovation was that instead of the traditional two cranes for hot and cold water, one was used. With it, it was possible to adjust both the head and temperature at the same time. Innovation was weak and even laughed at the inventor. But Manukyan considered one small perspective, which all the others simply missed. The device of the ball mixer is such that it has only one movable element. There are no gaskets, as well as parts subject to rapid wear.

After a while it became clear that, despite the lack of gaskets, the mixer worked to the full. And Alex Manukyan, along with experienced engineers, begins work on the finalization of the design. In 1954, the work was completed and a new revolutionary product was released, which is now installed in most bathrooms. By the way, Manukyan made a huge fortune on this.

Advantages of ball mixers

Ten years ago there were no alternatives to the valve devices in the plumbing market. And when a ball mixer appeared, many faced the choice - what to install in the bathroom? Sales show that the construction with a ball valve is in great demand. This can easily be explained by the advantages and high performance characteristics of the device. Also, plumbing experts say that now there is nothing to sell on the market that would be safer. Ball bath mixers were very convenient to use. You do not need to twist anything anymore to set the optimal water temperature and its pressure. To do this, just set the lever to the desired position. Over time, this is done almost automatically.

Those who use such devices for a long time already know where the handle should be located for a suitable temperature and pressure. And for those who are just going to install such a device, it is useful to know that the head can be adjusted by moving the control handle up or down. The temperature is adjusted by turning to the right or to the left.

Arrangement of mechanisms with ball valve

Modern plumbing, namely the ball mixer, as well as their valve relatives, despite the technology, sometimes fail. In this there is nothing ordinary. They are made of the same materials. It's the same metal, the same rubber and plastic. Details are subject to wear during use. Repair of the ball mixer is not difficult. But in order for everything to work out, it is necessary to understand the device and be able to remove it, if necessary. So, the device consists of several elements. This is a rotary knob, or rather a lever. Also there is a rod, and its seal is regulated by means of a complete washer and nut. There is a valve body and a nut. In the case there is a ball cartridge along with the rod.

This cartridge is a one-piece, non-separable element. There are three holes in it. They are designed for cold, hot water, as well as for mixed water of the desired temperature and head.

Operating principle

The ball valve mixer operates according to a certain algorithm. When the lever is lifted, the ball rotates. Meanwhile, the holes in the cartridge coincide with the holes in the saddles. Depending on what will be the area of the holes as a result, the temperature of the water and its head changes.

Typical malfunctions

With accurate operation, without exerting special efforts on the device, the product can be used without breakage for a long time. However, more often these cranes operate differently and fail.

Among typical malfunctions, leakage can be identified with the locking position of the lever, a weak head at a normal level of pressure in the water supply. Also often violated adjustments. It is not possible to adjust the water of the desired temperature, since mixing is chaotic. Before repairing the ball faucets for the bathroom, it is necessary to determine the cause of the malfunction.

Types of breakdowns

The ball cartridge is fixed in the body with rubber seats. There is free space between these elements. If it clogs, it becomes the cause of the malfunction. Enough even a small mote to break the tightness. As a result, the rubber seat is deformed. The ball mount is out of order. Also, one of the most common troubles is blockage in the shutter. In this case, you can do without even repairing, and you can solve the problem with a simple cleaning. But for this you have to dismantle the crane. But after the assembly, everything will fall back into place and the device will work like a new one.

Often, all the breakdowns occur due to water flowing in the pipes. It is very tough. It does not depend on which type of mixer is installed. In order not to change plumbing fixtures often, experts recommend the installation of filter elements. Another trouble is water, which flows from under the rotary handle. It is enough to tighten the connection.

How to eliminate the clogging of the shutter?

The easiest way to solve the problem is if the shutter is clogged. It can be an obstacle to normal water supply with a powerful head. First you need to dismantle the aerator. Then start up the water without this element. By the way the pressure changes, it will be seen whether the aerator is the cause of the breakdown. To restore the operation of the crane, it is sufficient to clean and rinse the device in water, and then reinstall it. But the aerator is replaced more often.

If the water oozes out from under the base of the mixer

This fault can be eliminated by replacing the seals. Before you start repairing ball mixers with your own hands, you must first cut off the water. Then, the mixer is dismantled and disconnected. Also unscrew the fixing nut. A worn gasket must be replaced with the same one, only a new one. If it is matched correctly, a little effort will be required to install it.

If the cartridge has broken

Here the situation is worse. These elements can crack. But the problem is that these products are not subject to repair. They are changed to new ones. It also comes in the presence of damage to the body of the device. If it is not possible to quickly replace the mixer ball switch, you can use a sealant. But this is only a temporary solution to the problem.

Features of repair

So, let's look at what needs to be done if repairs are inevitable. Repair of the device is quite simple - any home master can handle it. For jobs you will need a standard set of tools:

• Adjustable wrench.
• Hexagons.
• Screwdriver or thin needle.
• Flashlight.

First of all, block the water. Further, dismantling is carried out. On the case of the device there is a cap. They also shoot it. Under this plug there is a hole through which you can access the screw holding the lever. This screw should be unscrewed. Now you can remove the lever. If the device has been standing for a long time and the ball mixer has not been dismantled, it may be necessary to exert some effort.

Now there is access to the dome part of the product and plastic eccentrics. These details are also removed. A cartridge will be installed below them. All dirt must be carefully removed. Further, the mixer switch is removed from the housing. It should be carefully inspected from all sides. If there is damage, the cartridge needs to be replaced.

Then check the rubber sealing elements. If their elasticity is reduced or lost, the parts are replaced with new ones. Seals on which the switch is installed are also replaced (for prevention). Then it remains to install all the parts in place and assemble the structure in reverse order. After that, the product should again earn normal. But the leak may be under the tap. In this case, it is removed and replaced by seals under the drain.

Repair of the switch on the shower

This fault occurs frequently. When trying to plug water from a spout into the shower hose, the lever switches itself. The liquid flows from the spout, and the supply to the shower is impossible. To find the reasons, unscrew the union nut and remove the hose. Then, remove the upper gasket. Perhaps you need to poke it with a thin knitting needle. The gasket changes to a new one. The mixer is assembled and checked. If the device still does not work, then again block the water, remove the shower hose. Then remove the adapter, spout and lever. Now extract the eccentric and the spool. Then access to the ring of the lower gasket opens. It should be replaced. Next, the device is collected and checked. Before you go to the store for supplies, it's worth to see if there are any of these gaskets at home. Often several seals come with the appliance. If there are not any materials, they can be made by themselves. Suitable hard rubber thickness of 3-4 millimeters.

Conclusion

Here's how to repair a ball mixer - there is nothing complicated in this task. Repair involves replacing supplies and a cartridge. Any home master can cope with this.